• HIERARCHY
  • TAXONOMY
  • VISUAL
  • HUMAN

How to map scientific fields with your AI

Connect to Stanford OpenAlex to turn raw research data into structured topic maps. Your AI handles the heavy lifting of navigating complex scientific hierarchies.

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Short answer

How can I map scientific fields with my AI?

Your AI uses the OpenAlex taxonomy to find specific research concepts and their parent topics. It builds a structured map of how different scientific disciplines relate to one another.

Where every field lands

Mapping outcomes

The AI organizes scientific data into these distinct structures.

HIERARCHY

Topic trees

The AI identifies parent and child topics to show how specific research fits into broader disciplines.

TAXONOMY

Concept clusters

It groups related research areas into logical clusters based on the OpenAlex classification system.

VISUAL

Structural maps

The AI generates the logic needed to visualize how different scientific fields overlap or diverge.

HUMAN

Expert review

You review the generated hierarchies to ensure the scientific context makes sense for your specific use case.

The workflow

What your AI does when a topic arrives.

The AI moves from broad searches to specific structural mapping.

  1. Find research areas

    The AI looks up specific scientific terms to find their official place in the taxonomy.

    search_topics

  2. Identify specific concepts

    It drills down into granular research subjects to get precise identifiers.

    get_concept

  3. Expand the search

    The AI finds related subjects to build out the surrounding scientific context.

    search_concepts

  4. Build the map

    It uses the gathered topic and concept data to organize a full hierarchy.

    search_topicsget_concept

Try it

Copy these to start.

Use these prompts to begin your mapping task.

Starting points

Swap out the bracketed terms for the specific scientific disciplines you are studying.

OpenAlex Connector

You're all set. Choose your MCP client and follow the setup instructions.

Connector linkhttps://edge.vinkius.com/vk_preview_1IhaHep1Klzl6YPd1lxfO7cfzrTJkmx4GduKvQt1/mcp

Claude Desktop

Follow the steps below to connect in seconds.

  1. 1In Claude Desktop, open Settings → Connectors.
  2. 2Click “Add custom connector” and paste the connector link above as the remote MCP server URL.
  3. 3Click Add and start a new chat — OpenAlex capabilities are ready to use.
Configuration · claude_desktop_config.jsonCopy
{
  "mcpServers": {
    "stanford-openalex-mcp": {
      "url": "https://edge.vinkius.com/vk_preview_1IhaHep1Klzl6YPd1lxfO7cfzrTJkmx4GduKvQt1/mcp"
    }
  }
}
Copy into chat04

  • Map the hierarchy for [Quantum Computing] using OpenAlex.

  • Find the parent topics for [CRISPR gene editing] to see where it fits in biology.

  • Search for all related concepts under the field of [Astrophysics].

  • Create a structural map of how [Machine Learning] relates to [Statistical Inference].

  • Claude
  • ChatGPT
  • Cursor
  • VS Code
  • Windsurf
  • Claude Code
  • JetBrains
  • Cline

Start here

Connect Stanford OpenAlex once, then ask.

One connection gives your AI access to the full OpenAlex taxonomy. The setup is instant and your credentials stay encrypted.

Connect Stanford OpenAlex to your AI

FAQ

How the mapping works

  • 01

    Can the AI change the OpenAlex taxonomy?

    No. The AI can only read and navigate the existing OpenAlex hierarchy.

  • 02

    Does the AI create new scientific fields?

    No. It maps existing research to the established OpenAlex classification system.

  • 03

    Can I export the maps directly?

    The AI provides the structured data and hierarchy; you decide how to export or visualize it in your own tools.

  • 04

    Does it work with any scientific term?

    It works with any term indexed within the OpenAlex database.

  • 05

    Can the AI write research papers?

    No. It is designed to map and organize scientific topics, not to generate original research content.

  • More questions about Stanford OpenAlex? See everything the Stanford OpenAlex Connector can do

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